A former Reform UK councillor has left to become an independent member.

Dawn Saunders, who represents Peterlee ward, was elected alongside Reform councillor Steven Franklin at the local elections in May 2025 when the party gained overall control of Durham County Council.

Cllr Saunders received 900 votes at last year’s poll to represent the ward for the first time.

Yet she is no longer listed as representing the party on the local authority’s website and is not aligned to any political group.

Councillor Dawn Saunders is now an independent member for Peterlee.

placeholder image — Councillor Dawn Saunders is now an independent member for Peterlee.

She has been contacted for comment.

A Reform spokesman said: “Dawn Saunders is no longer a member of the Reform UK group on Durham County Council. We wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Reform initially won 65 seats but that has decreased to 59 after four members became independents, one joined Advance UK and the Liberal Democrats and Labour both won by-elections.

They have won a by-election since last May and an independent councillor also joined the party.